Collingwood has signed Alison Downie for the 2021/22 AFLW campaign.
Downie joins the Pies as a free agent following five years at Carlton Football Club.
As a foundation Carlton player, Downie has played in every game since the league’s maiden AFLW match in 2017 where Carlton defeated Collingwood by 35 points at Ikon Park.
The 36-year-old had 42 hitouts last season. She will act as the Pies’ key ruck for the 2021/22 campaign.
Prior to football Downie played 326 games across 16 seasons for the Dandenong Ranges in the Women’s National Basketball League.
Downie replaces Jordan Membrey in the squad who sits on the Pies inactive list due to injury. Membrey ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in February.
Downie said she is eager to get started at the Holden Centre.
“I’d like to thank Carlton for the past five years, I am so grateful to have been a part of the inaugural AFLW campaign and for the opportunity to learn and grow as a footballer,” Downie said.
“I’m so excited to be joining Collingwood. I feel privileged to be a part of a super talented group and I look forward to contributing towards the success in which we all play for.”
Collingwood’s GM of Women’s Sport, Jane Woodlands-Thompson, welcomed Downie to the program.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alison to the program,” Woodlands-Thompson said.
“With a sporting career spanning 26 years, Alison brings an understanding of the dynamics required for elite team success.
“We look forward to seeing Alison in the black and white this year.”
In other news, Abbey Green has announced her retirement from the game.
Green was traded to the Pies from North Melbourne last year in the 2020 AFLW trade and sign period.
The 24-year-old’s campaign was cut short due to a degenerative knee condition.
Woodlands-Thompson thanked Green for her contribution to the program.
“The club thanks Abbey for her resilience in what would have been a challenging season,” Woodlands-Thompson said.
“We wish Abbey all the very best with her future endeavours.”
This finalises Collingwood’s outgoing list changes which includes Norder (retired), Stratton (delisted), Shevlin (traded), and Green (retired).
